by Allison Micarelli-Sokoloff
May 25, 2010

Attention all beachgoers! With Memorial Day right around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released its fourth annual Sunscreen Guide touting the best and worst sunscreens on the market. And it should come as no surprise—only 8 percent of the 500 available beach and sport sunscreens made the recommended list.

Why so few? The EWG attributes it to exaggerated SPF claims and a better understanding of the hazards of some sunscreen ingredients—including data possibly linking vitamin A used in 41 percent of sunscreens to an increased risk for skin cancer (albeit in mice not humans). Products with high SPF rating mislead people into thinking they can stay in the sun longer because they are better protected. But even products with a high SPF rating provide little protection against harmful UVA radiation. Out of 1,400 sunscreen products including beach and sports lotions, sprays, creams, moisturizers, make-up, and lip balm, only 39 beach and sports products earned EWG’s “recommended” rating. Those recommended by the EWG for babies (over the age of six months) include California Baby, Little Forest, and thinkbaby. For a complete list of recommended sunscreens, click here.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has failed to finalize regulations for sunscreens (despite its promise to do so in 1978). FDA officials estimate that the regulations may be released next October. Manufacturers will then be given a year or more to comply with the new rules, which means the first federally regulated sunscreens will not be available commercially until the summer of 2012 at the earliest—time will tell.

For now, do your research on ways to protect yourself and your children. A hat, and a lightweight long-sleeve shirt and pants are the safest ways to avoid the sun’s harmful rays. But when protective clothing isn’t an option, choose a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15–50, reapply it often, and stay in the shade if possible. Click here for more sun safety tips from the EWG.